Bhubaneswar/Berhampur, May 24: A truck allegedly hit and dragged an auto-rickshaw for nearly 60 metres near Pandara Square in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, critically injuring a passenger and leaving a biker hurt after the driver reportedly attempted to flee the scene, a source said.

The accident occurred near Pandara Square when the truck, allegedly moving at high speed, rammed the passenger auto-rickshaw from behind.

Auto Crashes Into Roadside Shop
According to the source, the impact dragged the three-wheeler for several metres before it lost balance, veered off the road and crashed into a roadside shop.

The passenger travelling in the auto sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the victim remains under medical supervision.

Biker Injured During Escape Attempt
Eyewitnesses said the truck driver allegedly tried to escape after the collision and, during the attempt, hit a biker on the busy road, injuring the rider and triggering panic in the area.

Angry locals reportedly chased the truck and managed to stop the driver before police reached the spot.

Police later brought the situation under control and launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities are probing whether overspeeding, negligence or drunk driving contributed to the crash.

Major Mishap Averted In Gajapati
A major accident was averted in Odisha’s Gajapati district on Sunday after a private bus carrying around 50 passengers lost one of its front wheels while in motion.

The incident took place near the Mohana Port Division office when the private bus, named ‘Harihara’, was travelling from Berhampur to Brahmani village.

Also Read: Six Killed, Four Injured As Bus Rams Auto-Rickshaw Near Ladkapalli Chhak In Ganjam

Bus Veers Towards Shop After Wheel Detaches
According to eyewitnesses, the front wheel on the driver’s side suddenly detached, causing the bus to veer towards a roadside shop.

However, the driver managed to keep control of the vehicle and safely steer it to the roadside, preventing what could have turned into a major tragedy.

No Casualties Reported
No injuries were reported among passengers or pedestrians.

The source said the shop owner also narrowly escaped after the vehicle swerved towards the roadside structure.